Schawna Thoma is vice president of Northern Compass Group, a business consulting firm she helped found in 2015. The firm provides problem solving, strategic issues campaign, and public policy solutions for businesses, government, and organizations in Alaska and across the nation. Before she become a consultant, Thoma spent nearly 20 years working for Alaskan politicians and candidates for office. She served as state director for U.S. Senator Mark Begich, chief of staff for State Senator Johnny Ellis, and deputy director of Anchorage’s Office of Economic and Community Development. Prior to her years in politics, Thoma served a 10-month term as a team leader with the National Civilian Community Corps. She has received many awards, including being named one of the “Top 40 Under 40” by the Alaska Journal of Commerce in 2005.

Thoma credits her 12 years with Monroe County 4-H with setting the course for her career. She was a summer 4-H program assistant helping to lead the Citizenship Washington Focus program at the National 4-H Center near Washington, D.C. Following this experience, Thoma began her long history of political service as an intern for U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

Thoma has served as president of the Alaska Young Democrats, vice chair of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership board of directors, and member of the Alaska International Education Foundation Board. Currently, Thoma is finance chair and a member of Visit Anchorage’s executive board of directors and serves on the executive board of the Anchorage League of Women Voters. She also sits on the board of directors for the AK Hopes and Dreams Project and is part of a leadership team for the Anchorage School District. Thoma serves as a mentor and role model to many and volunteers with the Anchorage Parks Foundation. In 2022, she received a volunteer service award for her service to the Anchorage Parks Foundation.